Ministry of Education seeks public input on rural education

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Province is seeking public input on rural education as part of a strategy being created by Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Education Linda Larson to better understand the needs of students, parents, schools and communities in rural B.C.

Approximately 32% of B.C. students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 attend schools outside of the greater Victoria, Vancouver and Kelowna areas. Oftentimes these school facilities in very small communities are used as a hub for community activities.

“Families living in rural communities have different needs than those living in high-density areas,” said Larson. “Over the next several months, I will be traveling to each region within the province, listening to families and educators and working on a new strategy for rural education that will help find long-term solutions for the unique challenges rural communities and schools face every day.”

Until January 9th, British Columbians can join in the online discussion to share stories on rural education and thoughts around community development at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/ruraleducation

The feedback will help the provincial government shape a final report on an integrated rural education strategy, including recommendations for the future. The strategy will aim to find long-term solutions for the unique challenges facing rural school districts and communities, including looking at the important social, cultural and economic roles that schools play in those communities.

A draft discussion paper will then be developed and posted online for further public comment, followed by several regional meetings hosted by Larson.

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